Our Communities

The Western Region of Nova Scotia has a geographically dispersed population of nearly 50,000 people living in both urban and rural settings. This region’s economy is traditionally driven by fishing and logging, with manufacturing, agriculture, and aquaculture having important roles.

A friendly and largely bilingual population

Safe communities

Both career and entrepreneurial opportunities

A quality of life well suited to those who love a maritime lifestyle.

Western NS has two regional hospitals, both French and English public schools, service hubs with all the amenities of a city, several options for post-secondary training, and regional recreational and sports facilities. This part of Nova Scotia is home to Kejimkujik National Park and a Unesco Biosphere Dark Sky Reserve. Many provincial and regional parks dot the shorelines and backroads of Western Nova Scotia. See links below for more information about the seven (7) communities of the Western REN.

See links to below for more information about the seven (7) communities of the Western REN.

Municipality of the District of Argyle — With one of the highest rates of bilingualism in Canada, the Argyle Municipality has a strong focus on aquaculture and exports. Visit Site

Municipality of the District of Barrington — The Lobster Capital of Canada, Barrington Municipality has a high concentration of fishing related employment, including many exported products. Visit Site

Municipality of the District of Clare — Clare municipality is home to several English and Acadian communities, and includes the only Francophone university in the province: the Université Sainte-Anne. Visit Site

Municipality of the District of Digby — The municipality of Digby includes important transportation links such as the 100-series highway, a regional airport, and the ferry connection to St. John, NB. Visit Site

Municipality of the District of Yarmouth — The intersection of highways 101 and 103, the municipality of Yarmouth hosts six commercial wharves and the region’s only international airport. Visit Site

Town of Digby — Settled in 1783 and home to world-famous scallops, the Town of Digby has more accommodations and food services than the national average. Visit Site

Town of Yarmouth — Yarmouth town is a business and financial hub of Southwest Nova, including a ferry connection to the US Eastern Seaboard. Visit Site